YMCA’s Love Yourself, Actually challenge hopes to create social connection

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is launching the Love Yourself, Actually challenge this February. Participate virtually by using the #LoveYourselfActually hashtag on social media to share your feel good moments of self-care and relaxation.

Staying self-isolated through our second lockdown while heading into February can make it difficult to stay positive and stress levels may be on the rise, according to a release from the YMCA, dated Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. The YMCA says it’s time for you to give yourself a big hug by doing something you love with their Love Yourself, Actually challenge.

The Y is known for fitness, but activities needn’t be. What do you do that makes you feel good? Curl up with a good book? Sweat to the oldies? Gab with friends? Learn something new?

According to the release, the YMCA is challenging individuals and groups to do something that makes them happy and submit photos or videos of these activities to create a community hub of fun.

“We are hoping to encourage people to do something they enjoy to lift everyone’s spirits during a difficult time,” said Rob Adams, CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “Social connection helps improve mental wellness and our challenge is focused on creating a place where people can feel like they are part of something positive.”

Whether you are doing something on your own, are creating a virtual group, or doing something with those in your household, the YMCA encourages you to be good to yourself by doing your favourite thing, or learning a new favourite thing. Help the Y create a virtual community of exercisers, readers, crafters, knitters, writers, whatever-ers by sharing what you’re up to during February, the YMCA said in the release.

“Feeling connected is so important and it’s so easy to lose that feeling when we’re not socializing. That’s why we wanted to create something that would reduce barriers for participation,” said Adams. “There is no cost to join in and we aren’t trying to raise money. Participants don’t have to be members of the Y. This is something that we hope everyone will enjoy.”

Register to let the Y know what you will be doing to #LoveYourselfActually in February, then share photos or videos (using #LoveYourselfActually and tagging the YMCA of Eastern Ontario) through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. The Y says they will create photo albums and share activities with others so everyone can be part of a great beehive of positivity.

According to the release, there will also be draws for prizes so be sure to use #LoveYourselfActually and tag the YMCA of Eastern Ontario in all social posts. The event runs from Monday, Feb. 8 to Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, inclusive. There is no cost to participate.

For more information or to register, please visit: https://eo.ymca.ca/love-yourself.